Bolthole Index

Sangamon County, Illinois

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Village of Chatham, Illinois

The Village of Chatham, Illinois, in Sangamon County, runs its own zoning under Chapter 158 of the village code1 and requires a village building permit for new structures, fences, pools and most alterations2. Sangamon County's Department of Public Health receives septic permit applications countywide3. Whether a lot inside the village must use public sewer is not confirmed, so ask the village first.

At a glance

Building permit
Required inside village limits for new structures, fences, pools and most alterations2
Zoning
Village's own zoning (Chapter 158) with published districts14
Building codes
2018 International Building and Residential Codes adopted5
Owner-builder
Homeowners are exempt from contractor registration only, not from permits6
Septic
County Department of Public Health receives applications; sewer connection inside the village not confirmed3
R-1 minimum lot
12,000 sq ft and 80 ft wide7
R-1 height limit
35 ft8

Who to call

Building permits

Village of Chatham (code enforcement, building codes and zoning)

Building permits, building inspections and zoning questions inside Chatham village limits

217-483-2451

116 E. Mulberry Street Chatham, IL 62629

Building permits

Village of Chatham FAQs (permit guidance)

Village guidance on when a building permit is needed

Septic permits

Sangamon County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health

Septic system permits and private well permits (county health department)

217-535-3145

2833 South Grand Avenue East Springfield, IL 62703-2175

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Village of Chatham means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Chatham, Illinois have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes. The Village of Chatham zones the land inside its limits under its own Chapter 1581, and the village code publishes the district list and boundaries4. Sangamon County's zoning applies to unincorporated land, not to lots inside the village9.

Dimensions depend on the district. In the R-1 single-family district, Chatham requires at least 12,000 square feet of lot area and 80 feet of lot width7. Setbacks in R-1 are 30 feet front, 30 feet rear, 10 feet interior side and 30 feet corner side, and the front setback can be averaged with adjacent homes10. The height limit is 35 feet8.

In R-1A, the minimum lot is 10,000 square feet and 70 feet wide11, with setbacks of 30 feet front, 25 feet rear, 8 feet interior side and 25 feet corner side12.

Do you need a building permit in Chatham, Illinois, and who issues it?

Yes. Inside Chatham village limits, the village requires a building permit for new structures, fences, swimming pools, satellite dishes, and repairs or alterations2. The village building code administrator issues the permit13. The village's own FAQ page says a building permit is needed for most structures, structural changes and fences14.

Some small jobs are exempt, such as remodeling that costs less than $1,000 and does not touch corridors, exit ways or load-bearing members2. Fees are set by the village board of trustees, and we did not confirm current amounts15. Call the village at 217-483-2451 with questions on code enforcement or building16.

What building codes and inspections apply inside Chatham?

Chatham has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code, the 2017 National Electrical Code, and the current Illinois Plumbing Code5. Work under a village permit is inspected in phases: site or stakeout, footing, framing, rough-in, fireplace if applicable, electric meter base, and final17. Inspections on weekends or after hours carry a $50 surcharge at the village's discretion17.

New construction cannot be occupied before a final inspection certificate is issued, except where the building code administrator makes written safety findings18. A homeowner doing work on their own dwelling is exempt from the village's contractor registration, but the permits still apply6.

How do septic permits work in Chatham, Illinois?

Septic permits for Sangamon County come through the county Department of Public Health, Environmental Health, which receives permit applications; the Illinois Department of Public Health regulates private sewage systems statewide19. Owners installing, repairing or replacing a system must hire a licensed septic contractor and a licensed soil scientist20.

We could not confirm whether a lot inside Chatham village limits must connect to public water or sewer, or whether the village allows a septic system there at all. Ask the village at 217-483-245116 before counting on septic, then call the county's environmental inspectors at 217-535-314521. Across Sangamon County, about 25% of soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so many lots need a site evaluation22.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Chatham, Illinois?

We could not confirm the village's rules on long-term RV living, temporary camping, tiny homes or accessory dwellings. The village's use schedule determines what each district allows, and the village code section on off-street parking also mentions campers in residential districts. Ask the village at 217-483-245116 before parking an RV on a lot or planning a small dwelling.

Illinois law licenses campgrounds through the state health department, but that rule covers campgrounds, not an RV on a private lot23.

Building a home in Chatham: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the lot is inside Chatham village limits, not unincorporated Sangamon County, since the two follow different rules24.
  2. Ask the village which zoning district the lot is in and whether public sewer and water serve it4.
  3. Check the district's lot size, setbacks and height limit10.
  4. Apply to the village building code administrator for a building permit13.
  5. If septic is allowed, hire a licensed septic contractor and soil scientist and apply through the Sangamon County Department of Public Health20.
  6. Schedule each inspection and get the final inspection certificate before moving in18.

What stays with Sangamon County, and what to check before you buy

Septic and private well permits stay with the Sangamon County Department of Public Health25. A driveway onto a county highway needs a permit from the Sangamon County Highway Department26; we did not confirm the village's own driveway rules. Land outside village limits follows the county's rules; see the Sangamon County page.

For budgeting, Sangamon County's effective property tax rate is about 2%27 and the median property tax bill is about $3,369 a year28. Ask the village about utility connections, flood status and any recorded restrictions on the specific lot.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm whether septic systems are allowed inside Chatham village limits or whether new homes must connect to public sewer and water; call the village at 217-483-245116.
  • The village's current building permit fee amounts were not confirmed; the village board of trustees sets them15.
  • Homeowners doing their own work are exempt from contractor registration only; building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits still apply6.
  • County rules on zoning and building permits apply to unincorporated land only; confirm a lot is inside Chatham before relying on the village rules24.

Sources

  1. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 158: Zoning (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  2. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 150: Building Regulations (150.23-150.29) (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  4. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 158: Zoning (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  5. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Appendix A: Current codes adopted by reference (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  6. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 150: Building Regulations (150.23-150.29) (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  7. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - 158.034 Schedule of height and bulk regulations by districts (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  8. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - 158.034 Schedule of height and bulk regulations by districts (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  9. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  10. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - 158.034 Schedule of height and bulk regulations by districts (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  11. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - 158.034 Schedule of height and bulk regulations by districts (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  12. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - 158.034 Schedule of height and bulk regulations by districts (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  13. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 150: Building Regulations (150.23-150.29) (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  14. Village of Chatham FAQs (permit guidance) (chathamil.gov)
  15. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 150: Building Regulations (150.23-150.29) (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  16. Village of Chatham (code enforcement, building codes and zoning) (chathamil.gov)
  17. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 150: Building Regulations (150.23-150.29) (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Chatham Code of Ordinances - Chapter 150: Building Regulations (150.23-150.29) (Village of Chatham), quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  20. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  21. Sangamon County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health (sangamonil.gov)
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. sangamonil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. sangamonil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Chatham

Village of Chatham’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New structures, fences, swimming pools, satellite dishes, and repairs or alterations inside Chatham village limits

    • Permit is issued by the building code administrator (150.25(a)); applications for non-one/two-family buildings follow IBC section 105 and one/two-family follow IRC section R-105 (150.27).
    • Section 150.25(b) exempts: partitions/cases/counters not over five feet high; painting, papering, window replacement without removing frames and similar finish work; temporary theater and set pieces; window awnings projecting not more than 54 inches; alterations under $1,000 that do not affect corridors, exit ways or load-bearing members; replacing shingles and applying siding.
    • Under 150.25(c), separate plumbing, electrical, building and mechanical permits are still required for the exempted items unless otherwise exempted.
    • Construction may proceed after the permit is issued.

    remodel exemption cost threshold: < 1000 USD (only where corridors, exit ways and load-bearing members are not affected)

    “(5) alterations and remodeling, the cost of which is less than $1,000 and does not constitute or affect corridors, exit ways, and load-bearing members of those structures;”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowners doing work on their own dwellings inside Chatham village

    • The exemption is from contractor registration under 150.29(a)(2) only.
    • Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under 150.25 still apply to the work, so this is not a permit exemption.
    “(2) homeowners who are performing work on their own dwellings.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Chatham village limits under Chapter 150 Building Regulations

    • Appendix A adopts by reference: International Building Code 2018 edition; International Residential Code (one and two family) 2018 edition; National Electric Code 2017 edition; the current Illinois Plumbing Code and 77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 890; Life Safety Code NFPA 101 2000 edition except chapter 24; International Property Maintenance Code 2012 edition.
    • Appendix A divisions (b) through (f) make village-specific insertions, deletions and modifications; for example, the village does not inspect for compliance with the international energy efficiency code.
    “(1) international building code, 2018 edition (“ibc”). (2) international residential code - one and two family buildings, 2018 edition (“irc”). (3) national electric code, 2017 edition (“nec”).”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Work under a village building permit inside Chatham village limits

    • Inspection phases: site or stakeout; footing; framing; rough-in (mechanical, electrical and plumbing); fireplace (if applicable); electric meter base and outdoor electrical equipment; and final.
    • Response time: two business days for one- and two-family dwellings (footing inspections four hours if requested before 1:00 p.m.); three business days for other structures.
    • Only a site or stakeout inspection is required for listed small items, including one-story detached sheds with roof area not over 120 square feet, fences not over six feet, and pre-fabricated pools that are entirely above grade and not over 5,000 gallons.
    • Inspections on weekends or after hours are at the building administrator's discretion with a $50 surcharge.

    after-hours inspection surcharge: 50 USD (weekend or after-hours inspections only, at the village's discretion)

    “in no event shall the building code administrator or building, plumbing or electrical inspectors be required to make inspections on saturdays and sundays, or after business hours, although they may do so in their discretion and upon payment by the contractor or owner of a $50 surcharge to the village.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    New construction occupied inside Chatham village limits

    • The code calls the document a 'final inspection certificate' issued under 150.28(a)(7) and (d)(1); the cited text does not use the term certificate of occupancy.
    • Occupancy before issuance is allowed only if the building code administrator makes express findings that deficiencies are not a safety hazard, best efforts were made, and a firm re-inspection date within 60 days is scheduled.
    • The administrator may withhold new permits from a contractor or owner with an unfinished prior job lacking a final certificate.

    re-inspection deadline after initial final inspection when occupancy is allowed before repairs: <= 60 days (only where express findings are made under 150.28(d)(2))

    “(2) no person shall occupy new construction prior to the issuance of a final inspection certificate unless the building code administrator: has made express findings:”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Chatham village limits, under the village's own Chapter 158 Zoning (ordinance 96-54)

    • Chapter 158 'Zoning' contains general provisions, zoning districts, planned unit developments, supplemental regulations, non-conforming rules and administration.
    • Section 158.002 cites ord. 96-54, passed 3-26-96, as the source of the chapter. The code overview states it is current through ordinance no. 24-26 (2025 S-29 supplement) and warns that posted text may not reflect the latest legislation.
    “(1) organizing the village into districts regulating and restricting therein the location and use of buildings, structures and land.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Chatham village limits

    • Section 158.030 establishes the districts, 158.031 incorporates the maps, 158.032 sets boundaries, 158.033 is the use schedule and 158.034 is the height and bulk schedule.
    • I did not open the 158.033 use schedule or the 158.031/158.032 maps; the list of districts beyond R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-3A, RM-4, RO-5, B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2 and PUD comes from the 158.034 table.
    “158.030 establishment of districts 158.031 incorporation of maps 158.032 boundaries of districts 158.033 schedule of use regulations by districts 158.034 schedule of height and bulk regulations by districts”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Main single-family residential district R-1 inside Chatham village limits

    • Row 'r-1' in the section 158.034 dimensional table; the district is a single-family low-density district (R-1A is described as having the same permitted and special uses as R-1 in 158.033(c)).
    • Column order is read from the table header: minimum lot area, minimum lot width, front, rear, interior side, corner side, maximum height.

    minimum lot area: >= 12000 sq ft (none stated for R-1 in the table) · minimum lot width: >= 80 ft (none stated for R-1 in the table)

    “dimensions requirements by district shall be as follows: district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner p-1 43,560 180 30 30 25 30 35 r-1 12,000 80 30 30 10 30 35 r-1a 10,000 70 30 25 8 25 35”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family low-density district R-1A inside Chatham village limits
      “dimensions requirements by district shall be as follows: district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner p-1 43,560 180 30 30 25 30 35 r-1 12,000 80 30 30 10 30 35 r-1a 10,000 70 30 25 8 25 35”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Main single-family residential district R-1 inside Chatham village limits

    • Minimum yard setbacks in feet: front 30, rear 30, interior side 10, corner side 30 (column order read from table header).
    • Footnote a: where adjacent structures have different front yard setbacks, the minimum front yard setback is the average setback of such structures.
    • Accessory structure setbacks are governed by 158.013 and were not read.

    front yard setback: >= 30 ft (footnote a averaging where adjacent structures differ) · rear yard setback: >= 30 ft (none stated) · interior side yard setback: >= 10 ft (none stated) · corner side yard setback: >= 30 ft (none stated)

    “a. where adjacent structures have front yard setbacks different from those required, the minimum front yard setback shall be the average setback of such structures.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family low-density district R-1A inside Chatham village limits
      “dimensions requirements by district shall be as follows: district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner p-1 43,560 180 30 30 25 30 35 r-1 12,000 80 30 30 10 30 35 r-1a 10,000 70 30 25 8 25 35”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Main single-family residential district R-1 inside Chatham village limits

    • Maximum building height 35 feet per the 158.034 table (column order read from header).
    • Footnote b (extra side yard for buildings over 35 feet) is attached to other rows, not to R-1.

    maximum building height: <= 35 ft (none stated for R-1)

    “dimensions requirements by district shall be as follows: district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner p-1 43,560 180 30 30 25 30 35 r-1 12,000 80 30 30 10 30 35 r-1a 10,000 70 30 25 8 25 35”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family low-density district R-1A inside Chatham village limits
      “dimensions requirements by district shall be as follows: district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner district minimum lot area (sq. ft.) minimum lot width (ft.) minimum yard setbacks (ft.) maximum building height (ft.) front rear interior corner p-1 43,560 180 30 30 25 30 35 r-1 12,000 80 30 30 10 30 35 r-1a 10,000 70 30 25 8 25 35”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building permit fees inside Chatham village limits

    • Permit fees are set from time to time by the board of trustees (150.26).
    • Plan review fees are set in Appendix B of Chapter 150 (referenced in 150.27). Appendix B was not opened, so no fee amounts are recorded here.
    • Contractor registration application fee is separate (150.29(b)).

    contractor registration application fee: 20 USD (per registration application; renewal fee also applies)

    “§ 150.26 permit fees. permit fees shall be as determined from time to time by the board of trustees.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit application and review inside Chatham village limits

    • Process is set by reference to the IBC/IRC plan and permit sections (150.27) and by the village's building code administrator (150.21-150.25).
    • Adverse administrator decisions may go to an informal grievance conference within three business days (150.23), then to the building code board of appeals.
    • Contractors must be registered with the village, with exceptions (150.29).
    “applications for permits other than for one- and two-family dwellings shall be governed by section 105 of the ibc”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Chatham or Sangamon County directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area inside Chatham village limits
  • Lot coverage — Maximum lot coverage inside Chatham village limits
  • Living in an RV — Long-term RV occupancy on private land inside Chatham village limits
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Chatham village limits
  • Tiny homes — Tiny home occupancy inside Chatham village limits
10 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Chatham publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Sangamon County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Sangamon County: county rules, score and offices